American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

1h 51m / TV-14

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Nikole Hannah Jones

2m 15s

She created the 1619 Project on slavery for The New York Times Magazine and discusses how her work frequently explores the structural inequality created by racism in the U.S. “Journalism is one of the greatest and most empowering professions in the world,” she says. This extended interview is in addition to her appearance in our Unladylike2020 episode on newspaper editor Charlotta Spears Bass.

American Masters has been nominated for an Emmy®!

1m

For over 30 years, American Masters has illuminated the stories of our cultural giants. We are honored to announce our Emmy® nomination in the category of “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.” Congratulations to all of the incredible filmmakers, producers, directors, partners and colleagues who help us bring inspiring documentaries to our audiences each year.

An Interview with Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham

1m 50s

Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, a member of the Ferguson Uprising and co-founder of Campaign Zero, discusses how issues of social justice are interconnected, and how those who benefit from privilege have the responsibility to fight for the rights of those impacted by systemic inequalities.

Why Fran Lebowitz Always Sought Advice From Toni Morrison

3m 9s

Cultural critic Fran Lebowitz says there's a specific reason why she would ask her good friend Toni Morrison for advice. In these outtakes from "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I am," she also talks about the time someone asked if she and Morrison were related. A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

Toni Morrison On Writing Without the "White Gaze"

2m 29s

In this excerpt from Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, Toni Morrison talks about writing without the “white gaze.” She says, “I have spent my entire writing life trying to make sure that the white gaze was not the dominant one in any of my books.” A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

The Story Behind the Title of the Novel "The Bluest Eye"

1m 27s

In this excerpt from Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, Toni Morrison recalls the time a Black childhood friend, who was 11 at the time, told her that she had been praying for blue eyes for two years. “This kind of racism hurts. This is not lynchings and murders and drownings. This is interior pain.” A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

Director Interview with Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

1m 37s

"Toni Morrison is an extraordinary subject in front of the camera," says director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. In this interview, he talks about how he met Morrison and what it took to make this film. Photo: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

When Toni Morrison Won The Nobel Prize

2m 34s

In this excerpt from "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am," Toni Morrison tells the story of going to Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize. "I like the Nobel Prize. Because they know how to give a party," she said. A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

For Your Emmy® Consideration

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Who has changed America? These carefully crafted programs illuminate the stories of our cultural giants. American Masters empowers independent producers to tell compelling, unvarnished stories. American Masters presents these five documentaries for your Emmy® consideration in the category of “Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series.”

The Mae West Film that Helped Save Paramount Pictures

2m 37s

The Mae West film "She Done Him Wrong" was credited with helping to bring Paramount Pictures out of bankruptcy. It also helped make her a star in Hollywood and gave her the opportunity to turn a childhood dream -- involving very large cats -- into a reality.

Without "Talkies" There Would Be No Mae West

2m 32s

The silent film era ended with the birth of the "talkie" not long before Mae West become a Hollywood star. While audiences were enthralled by West's powerful and confident sexuality, the main way she expressed it was with language. ("Any chorus girl in any Warner Bros. movie in the 1930's showed more flesh.")

Mae West Made this "Insane" Film in her 80's

4m 19s

The film "Sextette," which Mae West made when she was in her 80's, was actually a "radical power move," according to comedian Natasha Lyonne. It demonstrated West's supreme confidence as a woman trying to defy the taboo against sexual older women. At the same time, it showed that the persona Mae West created in the 30's was so original that it could endure into the 1970's and beyond.

How Madonna May Have Been Influenced by Mae West

4m 14s / TV-14

Madonna, Mariah Carey, Lena Dunham and other women entertainers have followed in Mae West's footsteps in various ways, including breaking taboos about sexuality. Madonna in particular, with her book called "Sex," may have been paying direct homage to West.

Why Didn't Mae West Keep Up with the Latest Fashions?

3m 13s / TV-14

Mae West didn’t keep up with the latest fashions. Her persona, with the exaggerated hourglass figure and luxurious clothing, was inspired from trends in the 1890’s. It’s perhaps because of this outdated style that she was allowed to get away with saying so many sexually suggestive things.

Full Trailer | Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

2m 16s

Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers and critics on an exploration of the powerful themes she confronted throughout her literary career in this artful and intimate meditation that examines the life and work of the legendary storyteller.

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